How did Michelle Pfeiffer get the role in Scarface?

Pfeiffer initially struggled to land the Scarface role, despite director Brian De Palma's interest, as co-star Al Pacino was not convinced. However, during a screen test, Pfeiffer accidentally cut Pacino, which ultimately helped her secure the part.

What was Pfeiffer's best performance in Scarface?

Pfeiffer's best performance in the film came from the scene where she "explodes" and breaks dishes, which she described as her "best work of the film."

Why did Pacino change his mind about Pfeiffer for the Scarface role?

After Pfeiffer accidentally cut Pacino during a screen test, he seemed to change his mind about her and ultimately decided she was right for the part of Elvira Hancock.

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Pfeiffer's Scarface Audition Mishap: Cutting Pacino on Set

4 Oct, 2025

Summary

Pfeiffer initially struggled to land the Scarface role, despite director Brian De Palma's interest
Pfeiffer accidentally cut co-star Al Pacino during a screen test, which ultimately helped her get the part
Pfeiffer's best performance in the film came from the scene where she "explodes" and breaks dishes

Pfeiffer's Scarface Audition Mishap: Cutting Pacino on Set

In October 2025, Michelle Pfeiffer recounted her experience auditioning for the role of Elvira Hancock in the 1983 film Scarface. Pfeiffer explained that director Brian De Palma was keen on hiring her early on, but co-star Al Pacino was not entirely sold on the idea.

Pfeiffer detailed the lengthy audition process that took place over the course of two months. She initially did well in her first meeting with De Palma and the casting director, but as time went on, she felt she was getting worse and worse due to her fear. By the end, Pfeiffer believed she had blown her chances, and De Palma told her it just wasn't going to work out.

However, fate had other plans. About a month later, Pfeiffer received a call to come in for a screen test. She went in with the mindset that she wouldn't get the part, but it ended up being her best work in the film. During the screen test, Pfeiffer had a scene where she "explodes" and swipes the table, breaking dishes and glasses. In the process, she accidentally cut Pacino. Surprisingly, Pacino seemed to change his mind about Pfeiffer after that incident, and she ultimately landed the role.

Pfeiffer's experience serves as a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected moments can lead to unexpected opportunities in Hollywood.

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